By Muhammad Abu l May 22, 2026
The high-profile ₦8.7billion money laundering trial involving former Nigerian Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, suffered another setback on Friday after proceedings at the Federal High Court in Abuja were stalled due to the absence of his lead counsel.
The case, which has become one of the most politically sensitive anti-corruption prosecutions in recent Nigerian history, was expected to continue before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court. However, the matter could not proceed after Malami’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), failed to appear in court.
Although prosecutors from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, led by senior advocate Jibrin Okutepa, were present alongside the defendants, the absence of the defence counsel forced the court to adjourn proceedings until June 23, 2026. Court sources indicated that Daudu had earlier written to request an adjournment.
A Trial Testing Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption Credibility
The prosecution centres on allegations that Malami, alongside his wife Hajiya Asabe Bashir and son Abdulaziz Malami, laundered approximately ₦8.7billion through multiple bank accounts and company-linked financial channels. The trio are facing a 16-count charge filed by the EFCC.
The case has drawn nationwide attention not only because of the financial allegations involved, but because Malami once occupied one of the most powerful legal offices in Nigeria as Attorney-General under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
During his tenure, Malami played a central role in overseeing federal prosecutions and legal policy, while also attracting repeated controversy over allegations of political interference in corruption cases and management of recovered assets. He has consistently denied wrongdoing.
Court Hearings Already Marked By Delays And Controversy
The latest adjournment adds to a growing pattern of procedural delays surrounding the case.
Earlier hearings included testimony from prosecution witnesses who reportedly described how millions of naira were transferred into accounts allegedly linked to Malami and members of his family.
The defendants had initially pleaded not guilty after being rearraigned in February 2026. They were subsequently granted bail of ₦200million each under strict conditions, including the provision of high-value sureties with landed property in Abuja districts such as Maitama or Asokoro. The court also ordered the surrender of their international passports pending the conclusion of the trial.
Beyond Corruption Allegations
Beyond the money laundering case, Malami has also faced wider public scrutiny over allegations involving unexplained wealth, political influence, and separate terrorism-financing accusations reported earlier in 2026. He has denied all allegations against him.
Legal analysts say the trial now represents more than an individual corruption prosecution. Instead, they argue, it has become a broader test of whether Nigeria’s justice system can effectively prosecute politically exposed persons without prolonged delays or institutional interference.
A Lagos-based legal observer described the proceedings as “a credibility test for anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.”
“When a former Attorney-General is standing trial, the public expects the process to demonstrate transparency, consistency, and seriousness,” the analyst said.
Public Confidence Under Scrutiny
Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies have long faced criticism over the slow pace of high-profile prosecutions, especially cases involving former senior officials and politically connected figures.
Civil society organizations argue that repeated adjournments in major corruption cases weaken public confidence in both the judiciary and anti-graft institutions.
For now, Malami’s trial remains ongoing. But Friday’s stalled hearing once again highlighted a recurring challenge within Nigeria’s judicial system: some of the country’s most consequential corruption cases continue to move slowly through the courts amid legal manoeuvres, procedural delays, and mounting public scrutiny.